In both systems, the majority of characters have nine attributes, grouped into three categories: Physical, Social and Mental. Normal mortal humans and most animals are limited to ratings of between 1 and 5, though in extreme cases they may have attribute ratings of zero. Especially large or fast animals may have Physical attributes beyond this range, though they rarely outclass humans in the other categories.

Supernatural creatures, including vampires, werewolves, Prometheans, Novas and Exalts, are often capable of raising their attributes beyond mortal capability. These greater limits may be temporarily granted by the application of supernatural powers, or permanent, as the creature's supernatural body and mind have potential beyond the limitations of mortals.

Spirits in the Classic World of Darkness do not possess attributes; instead they are defined in terms of Willpower and the Werewolf: The Apocalypse traits of Rage and Gnosis. Some beings from the Umbra, such as certain Umbrood and demons, are not technically spirits (at least, not mechanically); these beings may have Attributes instead of (or in addition to) Rage and Gnosis ratings.

Novas, from the Trinity Universe games (most notably Aberrant), did not increase their base Attributes beyond five dots; instead, they could acquire Mega-Attributes, each are normally rated from 1 to 5 dots, which represented exponentially greater power than the regular Attributes.

In the Storytelling System, attributes are classed as either Power, Finesse or Resistance attributes, with one of each in the three categories. Some of these attributes contribute to other traits, and most resemble those of the old system, except where noted:

Composure - Social Resistance; the ability to stay focused and calm under emotional pressure, and to resist emotional manipulation. Directly contributes to a character's Willpower trait, and used with Wits for perception related tasks.